A rare case of bilateral malignant glaucoma after cataract surgery with capsular tension ring implantation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral malignant glaucoma induced by a capsular tension ring associated with ring-shaped cysts of the ciliary body post-cataract surgery is rare. Herein, we present a case to highlight the possibility of capsular tension ring-induced malignant glaucoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old woman underwent phacoemulsification combined with capsular tension ring implantation for cataracts and zonular fibre laxity in both eyes. Upon admission, annular ciliary masses were detected in both eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy. Two months post-surgery, the patient experienced vision deterioration, high intraocular pressure, and an axial shallowing anterior chamber in the right eye, and responded poorly to traditional anti-glaucoma medication. Ten days later, similar symptoms appeared in the left eye. Ultrasound biomicroscopy detected contact between the ciliary body and the capsular tension ring. Subsequently, malignant glaucoma was diagnosed. Anterior and posterior capsulotomies performed peripheral to intraocular lens optics using neodymium: YAG laser restored communication and alleviated the symptoms. A one-year follow-up revealed stable intraocular pressure and anterior chamber in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of bilateral malignant glaucoma after cataract surgery induced by capsular tension ring, which is associated with bilateral ring-shaped cysts of the ciliary body. Blockage between the ciliary body and capsular tension ring was confirmed using ultrasound biomicroscopy.

BEST1 associated bestrophinopathies with angle closure and post-surgical malignant glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: Mutations in BEST1 gene have been linked to the development of refractory angle closure glaucoma (ACG). This study aims to delineate the clinical characteristics, genetic mutations, and disease progression in patients with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) and autosomal dominant Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) who are presented with treatment-resistant ACG. METHODS: This retrospective analysis encompasses a comprehensive ophthalmic assessment, retinal imaging, and mutational profiling of six patients diagnosed with bestrophinopathy and concurrent ACG, with a particular emphasis on the risk of post-glaucoma filtration surgery malignant glaucoma (MG). Exome sequencing was conducted utilizing a next-generation sequencing (NGS) based gene panel. RESULTS: The cohort included five patients with ARB and one with BVMD, with a mean (±SD) age at ACG diagnosis of 35.1 ± 6.9 years. NGS analysis revealed homozygous BEST1 variants in four patients (ARB; cases 1-4) and a heterozygous BEST1 variant in one patient (BVMD; case 5). One patient (ARB; case 6), despite a recessive pedigree, showed a single heterozygous variant, suggesting the presence of an undetected heterozygous variant indicative of compound heterozygous autosomal recessive inheritance. A novel non-frameshift deletion (c.841_843delTTC; p.Phe281del) was identified in case 2. Surgical intervention was required due to uncontrolled glaucoma in all cases except case 4. All five cases that underwent glaucoma filtration surgery developed MG, which was effectively managed with combined iridozonulo-hyaloido-vitrectomy (IZHV) and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Cases 5 and 6, harboring a heterozygous pathogenic variant (c.241 G>A; p.Val81Met), experienced refractory MG and corneal decompensation necessitating multiple interventions. CONCLUSION: Genomic analysis plays a pivotal role in the management of bestrophinopathies with ACG. Characterization of mutational types facilitates prognostication and enables timely interventions. IZHV with PPV emerges as a promising standalone or adjunctive procedure for the management of glaucoma among patients with BEST1 mutations and ACG.

Malignant glaucoma treated by low-dose laser cycloplasty: a 1-year multicenter prospective non-comparative study.

AIM: To report a one-year clinical outcomes of low-dose laser cycloplasty (LCP) among malignant glaucoma patients. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter, non-comparative clinical study, participants with malignant glaucoma were recruited and underwent LCP at eight ophthalmic centers in China. Patients were followed up at 1wk, 1, 3, 6, and 12mo. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and complications were recorded. Anatomical success was defined as the reformation of the anterior chamber based on slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Recurrence was defined by the presence of a shallow or flat anterior chamber after initial recovery from treatment. RESULTS: A total of 34 eyes received LCP. Mean IOP and medications decreased from 36.1±11.5 mm Hg with 3.3±1.5 glaucoma medications pre-treatment to 20.9±9.8 mm Hg (P<0.001) with 2.9±1.6 medications (P=0.046) at 1d, and 17.4±6.7 mm Hg (P<0.001) with 1.3±1.7 medications (P<0.001) at 12mo. The ACD increased from 1.1±0.8 mm at baseline to 1.7±1.0 mm and to 2.0±0.5 mm at 1d and 12mo, respectively. A total of 32 (94.1%) eyes achieved initial anatomical success. During follow-up, 2 (5.9%) eyes failed and 8 (23.5%) eyes relapsed, yielding a 12-month anatomical success rate of 64.3%. Complications including anterior synechia (8.82%), choroidal/ciliary detachment (5.88%) and hypopyon (2.94%) were observed within 1wk. CONCLUSION: LCP is simple, safe, and effective in reforming the anterior chamber in malignant glaucoma.

Aqueous misdirection syndrome: clinical outcomes and risk factors for treatment failure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of postoperative aqueous misdirection and factors predicting failure of interventions. METHODS: This retrospective study included 49 eyes from 47 patients with aqueous misdirection following glaucoma or cataract surgery. Resolution of aqueous misdirection (AM) was deepening of the central anterior chamber (AC) and intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate risk factors for failure of various treatments. RESULTS: 10/49 eyes (20%) resolved with conservative management, and 39/49 eyes (80%) needed multiple intervention, of which 95% (37/39) eyes achieved resolution of aqueous misdirection. Pseudophakia predicted the need for multiple interventions with a hazard ratio of 2.391 (1.158-4.935), p = 0.02). Among the risk factors assessed for resolution of AM, longer axial length (HR: 0.61 (0.414-0.891), p < 0.01) and eyes with prior glaucoma surgery predicted resolution (HR: 0.142 (0.027-0.741), p < 0.01) and delayed presentation predicted failure (HR: 1.002 (1.0002-1.0031), p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Pseudophakic eyes were more refractory and predicted the need for multiple interventions. Eyes with prior glaucoma surgery and those with longer axial length had achieved resolution faster, and delayed presentation was a risk factor for failure to resolve.

Impact of improved minimally invasive anterior vitrectomy on the prognosis of patients with malignant glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: The importance of communicating the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity for managing malignant glaucoma (MG) is widely recognized. This study investigated the impact of improved minimally invasive anterior vitrectomy (IAV) on the prognosis of MG. METHODS: This retrospective interventional study included patients with MG who underwent conventional surgery or improved minimally IAV in Nanchang Aier Eye Hospital between January 2011 and April 2021. For the improved step, a small amount of triamcinolone acetonide was injected into the vicinity of the iris. Then, the residual vitreous body adhering to triamcinolone acetonide was excised. Comparisons were made using repeated measures ANOVA, t-test, and chi-squared test. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes from 26 patients were included: 15 eyes from 13 patients in the conventional group and 16 eyes from 13 patients in the IAV group. The 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month intraocular pressure (IOP) and the 3-month mean central anterior chamber depth were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The conventional group showed one eye with intraoperative vitreous hemorrhage and two eyes with postoperative re-shallowing of the anterior chamber; such events did not occur in the IAV group, and none developed corneal endothelial decompensation, IOL deviation, suprachoroidal hemorrhage, or retinal detachment during treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients with MG who undergo improved minimally IAV might have similar postoperative IOP and central anterior chamber depth compared with conventional surgery but with reduced complications such as intraoperative vitreous hemorrhage and postoperative re-shallowing of the anterior chamber. Improved minimally IAV might be an alternative surgery for MG.

Aqueous misdirection syndrome post silicone oil removal in a vitrectomized eye - a case report.

PUROPSE: Aqueous misdirection syndrome (AMS) is an aggressive post-operative glaucoma unresponsive to conventional measures with grave outcomes. In this report, we describe a rare case of AMS following silicon oil removal in a vitrectomized eye. METHODS: A diabetic patient with tractional retinal detachment underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicon oil injection. Following retinal reattachment, silicon oil removal was performed at three months. Post oil removal she developed increased intraocular pressure with shallowing of both the peripheral and central anterior chamber suggestive of AMS. RESULTS: Initial medical management with anti-glaucoma medications and cycloplegics was not beneficial. A pars plana lensectomy with complete anterior hyaloidectomy along with a surgical peripheral iridectomy helped relieve the aqueous misdirection. CONCLUSION: AMS can rarely occur following vitrectomy and is likely secondary to intact anterior hyaloid. Lensectomy along with zonulo-hyaloido-iridectomy is essential. This report highlights the occurrence of this rare complication and its effective management.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of pars plana vitrectomy with irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy for malignant glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of pars plana vitrectomy with irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy (IZH) for fluid misdirection syndrome (FMS) in pseudophakic eyes. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series study of patients treated with pars plana vitrectomy with IZH for FMS between February 2017 and March 2020. Complete success was defined as central anterior chamber (AC) deepening with an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 21mmHg or less (on 2 consecutive visits at least 1 week apart) without topical or systemic glaucoma medications. Qualified success was defined as central AC deepening with an IOP of 21mmHg or less (on 2 consecutive visits at least 1 week apart) with topical or systemic glaucoma medications. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 12 patients with a diagnosis of FMS were included. The mean age of the population was 73.6±15.4 years [39-90] with a majority of women (58.3%). Prior surgeries at the time of FMS diagnosis were trabeculectomy (4 eyes) and non-perforating deep sclerectomy (2 eyes). At presentation, mean IOP was 38.2±9.8mmHg, which decreased to 17.9±7.7mmHg (P<0.0001) at final follow-up (mean follow-up of 4.9±4.3 months). Complete success was achieved in 6 eyes (50%) and qualified success in 10 eyes (83%), with two eyes failing treatment. There was no statistical significant relationship between demographic data and clinical success (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pars plana vitrectomy combined with IZH appears to be a safe and effective technique for the treatment of FMS in pseudophakic patients.

Management of Pseudophakic Malignant Glaucoma Using Modified Nd:YAG Laser Treatment Methodology Through Surgical Preset Iridectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The use of the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to treat malignant glaucoma (MG) has been described in the literature since the 1980s. However, the technique has been reported to have a short-term effect, with a notable relapse rate. In the present study, we report the efficacy and durability of a modified Nd:YAG laser treatment methodology for treatment of pseudophakic or aphakic MG. METHODS: Patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma and deemed at high risk of developing post-operative MG received prophylactic peripheral iridectomy during their conventional operation beginning in 2017. When the diagnosis of pseudophakic or aphakic MG was confirmed, a thorough Nd:YAG laser capsulo/zonulo-hyaloido-vitreolysis (CZHV) was performed through iridectomy, along with standardized pre- and post-laser medications. This retrospective case series includes 14 eyes of 11 patients with MG who had surgical preset iridectomy and modified Nd:YAG laser CZHV between 2017 and 2022. Outcome measures included resolution and recurrence of MG and incidence of treatment complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 27.1 ± 15.0 months (range, 12-48). Long-term resolution of MG was obtained in all included eyes at the end of the follow-up. Six eyes (42.9%) achieved long-term resolution with a single Nd:YAG laser intervention. Eight eyes (57.1%) achieved long-term resolution following two to three laser interventions, with two eyes (14.3%) experiencing recurrence. There was no complication during the follow-up. At the final visit, a significant reduction (P = 0.0001) in the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was observed (13.1 ± 2.8 mmHg) compared to presentation (21.4 ± 6.3 mmHg). CONCLUSION: The modified Nd:YAG laser treatment methodology is a minimally invasive option to manage pseudophakic or aphakic MG with sustained effectiveness. Reduced inflammatory reactions due to prophylactic peripheral iridectomy, rapid diagnosis, and timely treatment initiation have all contributed to the favorable outcomes associated with this modified treatment methodology.

Long-term Treatment Outcomes for Malignant Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To report the contributing factors to the successful long-term treatment outcomes of a large series of patients with malignant glaucoma (MG). DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: This study used data collected from 1997 to 2022 from the Glaucoma Division of the Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). All patients with MG who underwent treatment at UCLA were enrolled. METHODS: The following demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed for their relevance to successful treatment: age, gender, ethnicity, glaucoma family history, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), lens status, prior glaucoma diagnosis, prior ocular surgery, prior use of antiglaucoma agents, ultrasonic axial length, qualitative anterior chamber (AC) depth, and treatment methods and outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anatomical success was defined as restoration of normal AC depth, indicating relief of the MG episode. Complete success was defined as anatomical success and the reduction of IOP to < 21 mmHg without further surgery, with or without medications. RESULTS: A total of 74 eyes of 73 patients were identified with a diagnosis of MG. The median (interquartile range) age of the patients at the time of MG presentation was 70 years (19.5) and 49 (75.4%) patients were female. The most common prior diagnosis before MG was primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) (34 eyes, 51.5%). The initiating event for 30 eyes (45.5%) was glaucoma surgery and for 21 eyes (31.8%) was cataract surgery. Most eyes were pseudophakic (57, 86.4%). Fifty-six eyes underwent medical treatment; MG resolved in 2 eyes with medical treatment alone. Nine eyes (7 eyes = treatment naïve; 2 eyes = failed medical treatment) underwent laser treatment and MG resolved in 5 eyes. Among the 55 eyes which had surgical treatment, 52 eyes failed medical treatment and 3 eyes were treatment naïve. The anatomical success rate with surgical treatment was 96.4% and the most commonly performed surgical procedure was combined pars plana antero-central vitrectomy, hyaloido-zonulectomy, and iridectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, PACG, and glaucoma surgery were predisposing factors for the development of MG. Medical treatment alone for MG was inadequate in the vast majority of cases. A surgical technique consisting of combined pars plana antero-central vitrectomy, hyaloido-zonulectomy and iridectomy consistently produced high long-term success. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Ocular Characteristics of Pseudophakic Eyes with Malignant Glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of the pseudophakic eyes with malignant glaucoma (MG). METHODS: This retrospective case-control study enrolled 53 eyes of 47 patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma having cataract surgery history, including 19 patients (25 eyes) diagnosed with MG and 28 patients (28 eyes) without MG as the match. Among patients diagnosed with MG, 14 patients (18 eyes) underwent zonulo-hyaloido-vitrectomy (ZHV) and the other 5 patients (7 eyes) received conservative treatments. The visual acuity, refraction status, intraocular pressure (IOP), extent of peripheral anterior synechia, classes of anti-glaucoma medications, and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) examination were recorded before cataract surgery, at the diagnosis of MG, and 3 months after ZHV or atropine application, respectively. RESULTS: In the pseudophakic eyes with MG, the IOP cannot be well controlled compared to the matched eyes (27.24 ± 8.72 mm Hg vs. 14.30 ± 2.63 mm Hg, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a difference in the average spherical equivalent refractive error between 2 groups of patients (-2.23 ± 0.84 D in MG vs. -0.12 ± 0.64 D in the matched eyes, p < 0.001). By UBM analysis, the anterior chamber depth (ACD) was shallower in MG than that in the matched eyes (2.34 ± 0.20 mm vs. 3.47 ± 0.29 mm, p < 0.001). The difference between the anterior vault distance of the pseudophakic eyes with MG and that of the matched eyes was also significant (p < 0.001). After treated with ZHV, the IOP was greatly decreased from 27.84 ± 10.14 mm Hg to 15.85 ± 4.41 mm Hg (p < 0.001). The refractive error also changed from -2.11 ± 0.91 D to +0.42 ± 0.99 D (p < 0.001). At the same time, the central ACD was significantly deepened from 2.30 ± 0.39 mm to 3.30 ± 0.31 mm (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Uncontrolled IOP and shallow anterior chamber both centrally and peripherally are the primary clinical characteristics for the pseudophakic eyes with MG. An unexpected refractive error or myopic shift for the eyes with PACG after cataract surgery can be an important hint for diagnosis of MG. The typical UBM image is an anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm and a bow-shaped change of the intraocular lens. It is an effective way to treat pseudophakic MG with the ZHV through a peripheral iridectomy.